From a tender age, Josh Russo found himself spellbound by the pulsating beats and gritty ethos of industrial music, along with the culture that thrived around it. His passion wasn’t just a fleeting fancy; it propelled him to chase down every concert within reach, big or small. Often flanked by his family, he immersed himself in the scene—its music, fashion, and camaraderie, leaving a memorable mark on the artists he admired.
Josh’s fervor extended beyond mere attendance. He delved into the art of transforming denim and leather with studs, spikes, patches, and vibrant splashes of custom paint. His creations weren’t just accessories; they were expressions of devotion, often becoming heartfelt gifts to their inspirations.
This craft evolved into a full-fledged vocation, birthing “Thrashnetic”—a label synonymous with bespoke, edgy apparel. Josh’s handiwork, adorning numerous bands, became a tangible tribute to his inspirations: a fusion of industrial soundscapes with the nostalgic allure of retro sci-fi, horror flicks, comics, and video games.
“People who met Josh remembered Josh. People who met Josh loved Josh. He was excited, he was animated, he was often ridiculous, and above all else he was deeply caring. He was an adoring friend who bent over backwards for the people in his life. Josh was a real hero. He truly was a light that burned the brightest.”
In Spring of 2019, Josh’s mental health began to deteriorate, and he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In October of 2019, Josh took his own life at the age of 23.
Thrashnetic serves as a living memorial. Our inaugural ALL AGES event is built upon the music and culture that Josh Russo was so dedicated to: industrial and electronic music. Thrashnetic’s goal is to raise awareness and support for those who suffer from mental illness and those whose lives have been affected by suicide. We have partnered with PREVENT SUICIDE WISCONSIN & WMSE 91.7FM.
There will be live performances by the following artists:
with DJ Support by Subspace.
An aftershow event will be held at Last Rites Milwaukee, in which Ultra Heavy Beats will be brought to you by Dance Commandr (Goth Barge) and Subspace.
There will be a special silent auction for the event, including:
- signed test pressings from Raymond Watts (Pig) courtesy of Armalyte Industries
- A special one off guitar made specifically for this event courtesy of Rusty Jorgensen
- Private tour packages from The Museum of Post-Punk and Industrial Music (courtesy of Martin Atkins)
Other silent auction partners and items include Omen Alternative Store, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Twisted Path Distillery, Adventure Rock, Ian’s Soul Central Pizza, School of Rock Shorewood, Vortex Comics, and many more.
Tickets will be $25 in advance of the show and $30 on the day of the event.
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased here. More information can be found here.
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